What affects productivity in any sense? There are hundreds of reasons for reduced productivity that we could talk about here but it is best to focus on the simplest, most effective, and common ways to boost productivity in the workplace.
1. Minimize Distractions and Multitasking
First thing is first; we love distractions and multitasking.
We played with multiple toys at the same time during our toddler years and then watched TV and managed to do homework during our teenage years; have we learned to manage one task at a time since then? Of course not! This needs to be adjusted in order to boost productivity at work.
Another important factor in boosting productivity is to minimize distractions. Keeping the office door closed or using headphones can reduce distractions. Often times, co-workers will see these two actions as a sign of privacy, which will allow you to focus on a higher level.
Minimizing distractions is difficult when your job requires a sufficient amount of computer work. It is well known that computers provide a gateway to distractions; one second you are diligently working on a project and then the next you are scrolling through Facebook.
A few methods to eliminating distractions such as these are to close out of Facebook, put your phone in a drawer and on silent, and deactivate email updates.
2. Work in 60 to 90 minute intervals.
Who has the ability to work as hard as they can for 8 hours straight? Realistic expectations state that working in intervals that range from 60 to 90 minutes is best for productivity.
Taking a 10-minute break every hour or hour and a half will help improve productivity, as well as concentration.
Furthermore, researchers have found that movement can relieve stress, which will also improve productivity. This can be accomplished by eating lunch anywhere but your desk and going for a short walk during breaks.
3. Get the Recommended Amount of Sleep
Sleeping less than 7 to 9 hours a night leads to a number of factors that impact the workday in a negative way.
There have been a number of studies regarding the required amount of sleep and what happens when a person sleeps less than 7 hours.
One study found that most people are sleeping an average of 6.8 hours of sleep a night, which can lead to an inability to learn, a reduced reaction time, distractedness, sloppiness, memory problems, and depression.
All of the effects of reduced sleep that are listed above will greatly impact the workday and productivity.
4. Use Your Time Efficiently
Being organized will greatly improve efficiency and productivity.
Often times, there are small tasks at work that prevent you from completing major projects and activities on time. One way to prevent this issue is to make an organized list of all of the little tasks that need to be done and complete them while you are waiting on something else.
Another trick to using time efficiently is to work on difficult tasks when you are more alert and aware, which can be done by prioritizing and planning your workday.
Lastly, it is important to know exactly how much you can accomplish in one day. Often times, employees overestimate what they achieve during the day, which leads to frustration and reduced productivity.
5. Communicate Effectively and Clearly
Effective communication is possibly the key to a successful workday; this may be the hardest suggestion on the list but it is the most important.
When giving instructions or relaying information, make sure you are as clear as possible. An important aspect to remember when communicating is to go over all of the details of the assignment upfront because it will prevent you from having to make corrections or answer questions in the end.
Do You Have Advice on How to Boost Productivity?
Share your suggestions, questions, and thoughts in the comment section below!
